Changes planned for Saluki Express bus routes

The most significant change, in response to student needs and recommendations, will be the elimination of the Logan Route with the start of the fall 2012 semester. The student-run Mass Transit Advisory Board endorsed the change, according to Bill Bruns, deputy director of the Student Center. The board’s members include representatives from the Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate and Professional Student Council.

Bruns said the Logan Route previously took SIU Carbondale students as far as the automotive technology program location in Carterville with stops along the way, including at John A. Logan College. With the opening of the new Transportation Education Center at Southern Illinois Airport this fall, the University will no longer need to run the service to Carterville. An existing route will continue to serve the airport.

In its place will be the new Crosstown Route in two versions: the weekday and the weekend. The weekday Crosstown bus will feature 48 stops connecting campus with the University Mall, the north side area including the Eurma Hayes Center, Memorial Hospital and the Murdale Shopping Center. The new route will take the bus from campus to the Mall on Park Street, then to the north side of Carbondale and on to Murdale and then back to campus. The weekend Crosstown Route will cover the area from campus to the south as well as Southern Hills, Park Street, University Mall and Murdale.

As always, all SIU Carbondale students may ride all Saluki Express buses free when using a valid University ID. In addition, faculty, staff and community members may ride the buses as a means of convenient, affordable transportation. Non-students may purchase bus passes by the month or the semester or you can pay $1 in exact change for a one-time bus fare. Children under age five ride free, while children ages six to 12 ride for half-price when accompanied by an adult. A pass, available at the Student Center ID Office, is required for children ages six-12.

Bruns said the University conducts ongoing evaluations of the Saluki Express routes to assure they are meeting the needs of the students. Changes come following careful study and consideration of recommendations from the Mass Transit Advisory Board.